Today in the ‘verbs, we’re reading Proverbs Chapter 25. As I was reading this morning I noticed repeatedly that some of the concepts sounded familiar.
Don’t demand an audience with the king
or push for a place among the great.
It’s better to wait for an invitation to the head table
than to be sent away in public disgrace.
Proverbs 25:6-7
Sounds Like: “When you are invited to a wedding feast, don’t sit in the seat of honor. What if someone who is more distinguished than you has also been invited? The host will come and say, ‘Give this person your seat.’ Then you will be embarrassed, and you will have to take whatever seat is left at the foot of the table! “Instead, take the lowest place at the foot of the table. Then when your host sees you, he will come and say, ‘Friend, we have a better place for you!’ Then you will be honored in front of all the other guests. -Jesus
(Luke 14:8-10)
How about:
Singing cheerful songs to a person with a heavy heart is like taking someone’s coat in cold weather or pouring vinegar in a wound. If your enemies are hungry, give them food to eat. If they are thirsty, give them water to drink. You will heap burning coals of shame on their heads,
and the Lord will reward you. Proverbs 25:20-22
Totally Sounds Like: Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep Romans 12:14-15
And: But I say, do not resist an evil person! If someone slaps you on the right cheek, offer the other cheek also. If you are sued in court and your shirt is taken from you, give your coat, too. If a soldier demands that you carry his gear for a mile, carry it two miles.-Jesus
(Matthew 5:39-41)
Wisdom doesn’t change. The concepts of Proverbs are the same as those taught in the New Testament. Wisdom didn’t change over the centuries that passed between King Solomon and Jesus. It has remained the same over the centuries between the time of Jesus and 2011 (which is I guess, the “time of Justin Bieber” :-) ).
Apply as necessary…